After Months of Testing Expensive Espresso Machines, I Found Myself Hooked on This Plastic, Portable, £40 AeroPress Coffee Maker — Here's Why

One thing to know about me is that I love coffee in all its forms: black coffee, lattes, espresso shots, you name it. So, the idea of a portable, manual coffee maker (without all the bells and whistles) is far from a turn-off to me. In fact, I've always seen an AeroPress sitting on the shelves of the best coffee cafes in London, so you know I jumped at the chance to finally test it out for myself.

The AeroPress coffee maker is about the size of a pint glass when standing upright and — thanks to its predominantly plastic (though very high-quality) construction — weighs virtually nothing. Well... eight ounces if we're getting technical. This makes it the perfect coffee maker for those who prioritize convenience. It's a manual coffee maker that operates similarly to a French press — both devices use immersion brewing and a plunger — but the AeroPress capitalizes on a filter system and a unique combination of brew methods, which result in a true-to-its-own-flavor, rich, espresso-like pour.

So, the big question: could this super affordable, low-tech coffee maker beat the flavor produced by my beloved espresso machines? With over 65,00 five-star reviews across more than 60 countries, I have to say, it does. Below are all my thoughts and opinions while testing the AeroPress coffee maker.

Olivia Wolfe

Olivia Wolfe has been a design writer for Livingetc since 2024. Previously, Olivia worked in the coffee industry at multiple cafes, both in London and the United States. During this time, she took training-intensive courses at coffee roasteries where coffee beans are roasted, packed, and shipped. During these trainings, Olivia learned about different types of coffee beans, how region affects flavor, roasting methods, grinding methods for different brews, and the flavor profiles of coffee. Since being at Livingetc, Olivia has tested multiple coffee machines (and currently has five on her kitchen counter).

First Impressions

I had high expectations of the AeroPress coffee maker (available at Amazon). Livingetc's interiors editor Emma Breislin says her partner (a former barista) uses it every single day. In fact, it was actually his AeroPress I tested, because it's just so easy to chuck in your bag and bring to the office.

And now, I can confidently say, it passed the initial impression test with flying colors. That said, there's not a lot to take in — it's pretty compact with a simple, streamlined design, though you can get prettier, colorful options (like this clear pink AeroPress on Amazon).

It's worth noting that it comes with all the coffee machine accessories you need to get it up and brewing: a set of micro filters (which you can also restock on Amazon), a stirrer, and a scoop and filter cap. You will need to either buy or grind your own beans, though.

Testing the Machine

Image 1 of 4

I figured the biggest selling point with this coffee maker was going to be how easy it was to use, so that was what I really focused on while testing it. And while I'm a fan of manual coffee machines (the ROK Presso Smartshot was probably my favorite last year), I know that if it's going to have fewer frills, it needs to be really, really easy to use.

I watched a quick YouTube tutorial to see how it worked, and safe to say, it was a pretty simple process. To start, place a microfilter in the lid and damp it slightly with warm water (this prevents any paper-y tastes that may occur).

Next, fill the top with a hefty scoop of ground coffee, then fill with as much water as you please (there are lines to indicate the different water level options), stir, then place the plunger on top, and press down until you hear a hissing sound. It's as easy as that.

I did have a few hiccups to start. Firstly, I had the machine upside down... then, I realized I hadn't put enough water in the top, but the learning curve was quick and far from disastrous. Pro tip: let the coffee steep for a minute or two after you pour the hot water over the grinds, and before you press.

This is a machine that thrives on simplicity, so you'll more than likely need to invest in a few other accessories depending on how you take it. A coffee grinder is required (or you could buy ground coffee, but that's never as good), and perhaps a milk frother if you prefer milk-based coffee.

Quality of Coffee

So, it's easy to make, but what's the coffee like, you ask? Once I'd worked it out, every cup I made got a 10/10. This is definitely a machine for the drip coffee and Americano lovers. The AeroPress brews coffee that is rich, smooth, and strong. There was virtually no harsh acidity or bitterness, but you could also pour a bit of extra hot water and milk for a longer drink.

To put it on a scale, I'd say there's a more advanced flavor profile than most coffee pod machines, but not quite as cafe-level as something like KitchenAid's Semi-Automatic Coffee Machine. If you like a strong, black coffee, I doubt you'd be disappointed with AeroPress. If you're more into milk-based coffee, maybe less so.

Should You Buy the Aeropress Machine?

The AeroPress is a fabulous coffee maker if you are someone who lives on the go, but enjoys a decent cup of coffee above most else. While this is by no means a luxury espresso machine or coffee maker, it is still a device that is for the true coffee connoisseur. The brewing methods are advanced, and the quality of flavor is exceptional — meaning don't take simplicity for lack of value.

Its portability is probably the biggest perk, so I'd definitely say this is one for the busy body. It could be taken camping, traveling, or even to the office (I spotted someone else using an AeroPress at the office while I was testing my own!)

All in all, I left this review thoroughly impressed with the AeroPress coffee machine. It's small but mighty, and for just shy of £40 (it also regularly goes on sale), what's not to love? Plus, I've since discovered a few attachments you can buy to elevate it even more.

There is a lot of ways to do single serve coffee, but I'm now convinced that AeroPress just might be the best.